Barcelona boss Xavi does not want to lose players amidst Depay-Atletico Madrid links

Barcelona are not expected to conduct too much business during the ongoing January transfer window, especially in terms of signing new players. However, they are facing pressure to offload some of their stars, including Memphis Depay.

The Dutchman has become a target for Atletico Madrid, who are actively looking for a replacement for Joao Felix. They are considering a move for the Depay, especially with his contract at Camp Nou expiring at the end of the season.

However, according to Santi Ovalle on El Larguero, Xavi is not too keen on the idea of offloading Depay or any other player during the January transfer window, especially if the club do not opt to sign any new players.

Barcelona, for their part, do not want to give Depay either, but they are aware that the attacker’s exit could be an excellent way to reduce the club’s inflating salary budget.

Subsequently, a report from Mundo Deportivo suggests Barcelona are yet to decide the fate of Depay. They are aware of Atletico Madrid’s interest in the attacker, but the club from the Spanish capital are yet to provide any official offer to the table.

The biggest hindrance for Barcelona in their bid to sell Depay is that the Dutchman’s departure will not alter the state of their financial condition if he leaves for free.

Therefore, getting rid of the attacker in mid-season without signing a proper replacement could prove to be a risky move on the Catalans’ part.

Earlier reports this week have claimed that even if Barcelona consider the sale of Depay, they are not expected to sanction the attacker’s sale until the end of the month. This is because the club are dealing with the absence of Robert Lewandowski, who will not be eligible to play in La Liga until January 29.

Barcelona, therefore, may only sanction an exit for Depay at the end of the month. But with Xavi determined to keep hold of all his players, including Real Betis-linked Hector Bellerin, it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming weeks.